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The Sabbath a Sign of Covenant Relationship, May 16
It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the
Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and
was refreshed.
Exodus 31:17
, NKJV.
If men and women would acknowledge the true Sabbath, they would not, as
they now do, despise the Word of God. The observance of the seventh day would
be a golden chain binding them to their Creator. But the commandment which
points out who the true God is—the Creator and Ruler of the earth—is dishonored
and disobeyed. This is the reason why there is so little stability in the world. The
churches have refused God’s sign and misrepresented His character. They have
torn down God’s sacred rest day, exalting a spurious sabbath in its place. Oh,
that men and women would cease to lock themselves out of heaven by their own
perversities.—
Manuscript Releases 5:82
.
A breach has been made in the law of God, and He is calling for a people that
will repair this breach. A spurious sabbath has been exalted instead of the Sabbath
of Jehovah. Soon laws will be passed compelling all to observe the first day of the
week instead of the seventh. We must meet this difficulty, and we shall find trouble
enough, without stirring up contention among those who profess to be keeping
God’s commandments.—
Manuscript Releases 5:82, 83
.
With these plain words [
Exodus 31:16, 17
] before us, who of those who know
the truth will dare to make less prominent the distinguishing features of our faith?
It is an established fact, to be made prominent before all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and peoples, that the Lord God made the world in six days, and rested on the seventh
day. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And
on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the
seventh day from all his work which he had made.”—
Manuscript Releases 5:83
.
The Sabbath was God’s sign between Him and His people, and evidence of His
kindness, mercy, and love, a token by which His people are distinguished from all
false religionists of the world. And God has pledged Himself that He will bless
them in their obedience, showing Himself that He is their God, and has taken them
into covenant relation with Himself, and that He will fulfill His promise to all that
are obedient.—
Manuscript Releases 5:84
.
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